Anyone choose between their SL and an XK8? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

KenSilver · #1 08-15-2004, 11:41 PM

I've always liked the shape and style of Jaguar XK8, particularly the convertible, and wondered if anyone else had looked at one before choosing an SL?

My barrier was price - the XK8 was nearly twice as much as my 93 SL500 - but for those who didn't have that restriction, what did they like/dislike about the Jag?

Ken Silver
--------------
~1993 SL500, glistening triple black, xenons: http://www.kensilver.com/SL
~1999 SLK 230 Kompressor, silver/black leather, CD, immaculate (my wife's)
~1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara. black & silver
~1991 Daimler, shiny grey/grey leather, best in country!
~ex 350SL, 230E, 280E, MX5 and a lot of other makes not nearly as nice.

jjrodger · #2 08-16-2004, 03:12 AM

I looked at the XK8 but price and condition of the used examples I considered put me right off. The build quality is not there compared to the R129. My father's friend owned a XKR convertible for a year from new (UKP60k from new) and it was a shed. Some days it wouldn't start, some days the hood would go down but not up, other days the windows would go up and down of their own accord. He had no faith in the vehicle and ended up in his 530d most days before eventually sending the Jag back.

KenSilver · #3 08-16-2004, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjrodger

I looked at the XK8 but price and condition of the used examples I considered put me right off. The build quality is not there compared to the R129. My father's friend owned a XKR convertible for a year from new (UKP60k from new) and it was a shed. Some days it wouldn't start, some days the hood would go down but not up, other days the windows would go up and down of their own accord. He had no faith in the vehicle and ended up in his 530d most days before eventually sending the Jag back.

Thanks, interesting.

Actually I've just been taking a look at the XK8 forum at http://forums1.roadfly.org/jaguar/forums/xk8/ and it's not encouraging. The nikasil engine problem seems to be prevalent for pre-2000 cars, and there are a lot of niggles along the lines of your friend's father.

There are a few scattered posts from owners about getting a good run, but overall not that many.

However, this may not be indicative of all XKs... perhaps there are many owners without problems who don't visit the forum, and are out and about enjoying their purchase.

I've often wondered about using forums to evaluate in this way. It would seem that many people visit to solve problems, thus giving a biased lean to the reliability of any vehicle. After all, there's only a limited number of times you can post and praise the reliability of any car you own, but there's always something to gripe about with any model.

On the plus side, the XK is a sexy beast when compared to the blocky lines of the 129. And in a way the Jag is a little more anonymous on the road too, lacking our over-large grill star identifier.

Ken Silver
--------------
~1993 SL500, glistening triple black, xenons: http://www.kensilver.com/SL
~1999 SLK 230 Kompressor, silver/black leather, CD, immaculate (my wife's)
~1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara. black & silver
~1991 Daimler, shiny grey/grey leather, best in country!
~ex 350SL, 230E, 280E, MX5 and a lot of other makes not nearly as nice.

lnguyenh · #4 08-16-2004, 09:34 AM

I'd definitely never buy a Jags

David Langsam · #5 08-16-2004, 02:30 PM

I checked out that xk8 board and there was a thread how the antenna made a bunch of wind noise with the top down. They had all kinds of frustration trying to overide the electronics that controlled the retraction. One guy disconnected it and put another antenna behind the back seats. Another guy disconnected the controller totally and manually adjusted to 6 or 8 inches high where it is now permanently fixed.

I didn't have the heart to tell them my 16 year old car has an antenna height adjust on the dashboard with three pre-sets. Gotta love mercedes engineering.

Personally, I love the xk8 lines.

David

LeaUK · #6 08-16-2004, 04:53 PM

Haven't seen it myself but my mechanic colleague tells me that the soft top mechanism is mainly plastic - yuck...have you seen how much Stainless there is in ours.

He also tells me of soft top problems with Jag recommending periodic fluid changes (at 180UKP a hit) when not needed....but that's main dealers for you. Bet MB isn't different here I'm pretty sure.

Thankfully I avoid them - main dealers that is!! Stick to the SL in fact forget the XK8/R and buy a R229

G-Benz · #7 08-16-2004, 05:29 PM

Close.

I traded a '92 XJS V-12 convertible for the SL we have today.

Not sure about the XK8 but the fit and finish on the XJS was remarkable and luxurious!

It was mechanically sound, but the electronics and climate control issues kept me from keeping the car. Repairs worked out to about $0.50/mile...we only put 12K miles on it!

The R129 is far more reliable. I've been able to successfully enact the few small repairs it has needed, and the only major replacement parts have been a battery and a set of tires.

1984 280SL · #8 08-17-2004, 03:23 PM

Her car has been in the shop for odd stuff more days in the 3 years she has owned it than my 1980 280 SL has been in 18 years. Great looking car but buy AAA and don't drive it out of range of a Jag dealer.

dinnyjoe · #9 09-13-2004, 10:22 PM

I have a 97 xk8 conv and a 1990 sl500 in my garage. had the jag since new, just picked up the SL (had a 230sl in the 70's) with 36k miles clean.

Jag has been wonderful; very few problems (24k on odometer) and fun.

Benz is busting my chops --see post in tech --with electrical gremlin, otherwise fine.

Key is drive both and that will make up your mind--one is heavy, absolutely solid cruiser--block of granite with very masculine lines. the other lighter --bit more cowl shake, styling more appealing to ladies as well. Both classy rides.

Neither one is fast, though xkr is quick (about 5.3 0-60)

clean pre 95 sl500 is about $20k ish and '97 xk8 about 24K

HitParader · #10 09-14-2004, 02:08 AM

Do Jaguars still use Lucas electrical systems? Haven't been in one in decades but the old Lucas stuff was absolutley the worst. Someone told me Lucas made pacemakers back in the '60's, gotta pray they were joking.....

G-Benz · #11 09-14-2004, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HitParader

Do Jaguars still use Lucas electrical systems? Haven't been in one in decades but the old Lucas stuff was absolutley the worst. Someone told me Lucas made pacemakers back in the '60's, gotta pray they were joking.....

Ford acquired Jag in '86. They slowly phased out Lucas in favor of Delco...but somehow, the Lucas-like problems still plagued the early Ford-era Jags...

Momo · #12 09-14-2004, 04:15 PM

Well, the XK8 is a step below the SL from a price perspective too. They are now very reliable, and the V8 engine is really nice. Personally, I don't like the way they look. The rear overhang was allegedly extended from the original drawings so that two golf bags would fit comfortably. The roof looks really ugly when folded. A UK-based colleague has one for the last few years with zero problems. They did very well in the UK JD Power Survey.

Momo